MGM Resorts Named One of the "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality", Earns Perfect Score for its LGBT Employee Policies and Benefits

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 14 /CSRwire/ - MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), according to a prominent benchmarking organization, is among the nation’s leading companies for workplace equality based on its policies and practices relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced that MGM Resorts has earned a perfect score from the 2013 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), an annual HRC survey that ranks major companies for their non-discrimination and benefits practices with respect to LGBT employees. A total of 889 businesses have been rated in the 2013 CEI, of which 252 achieved 100 percent, earning them the coveted distinction of “Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.”

This is the eighth year that MGM Resorts has participated in the Corporate Equality Index assessment, which focuses on corporate standards ranging from policies prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity to equality in health care benefits.

“As the first corporation in our industry to formally adopt a diversity initiative, we stand as a company fully committed to promoting human equality in our workforce as well as the experiences we offer our guests,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International. “The essence of hospitality is treating others with the utmost level of respect and gratitude with excellence, and that at the core comprises the bedrock of our company’s culture.”

The 2013 CEI saw the largest growth in the survey’s history with 54 new businesses opting in.

This year’s CEI marks the first time a majority of Fortune 500 companies protect their employees on the basis of sexual orientation (88 percent) and gender identity (57 percent).

Transgender-inclusive healthcare coverage continues to rise. Now in its second year as a mandatory criterion for a company to earn 100 percent, 287 participating companies offer comprehensive healthcare coverage to their transgender workers.

In 2000, MGM Resorts became the first company in the gaming industry to launch a voluntary diversity initiative and in 2004 it became the first company in the industry to offer same-sex health benefits to employees. Last year, MGM Resorts expanded its supplier and construction diversity programs to include businesses owned by LGBT persons.

In addition to being a committed member of the Human Rights Campaign, MGM Resorts has been an active supporter of The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), since 2002. The Company has pledged $300,000 to The Center to support the construction of its new building.

About the Human Rights CampaignThe Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About the Corporate Equality IndexThe HRC's CEI report, released each fall since 2002, provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S. employers and their policies and practices pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. It is the premiere national benchmark for LGBT workplace inclusion.

Businesses rated 100% are recognized as "Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.” All consumer-oriented businesses are included in our "Buying for Equality" guide.

About MGM Resorts InternationalMGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings, Limited, which owns the...